Do Not Miss Reading Braiding Sweetgrass

Interconnectedness   By sharing stories about being close to nature, Kimmerer emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. She highlights the reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world, advocating for a more harmonious and respectful interaction with the Earth. This interconnectedness is not just a philosophical concept but a fundamental truth… Continue reading Do Not Miss Reading Braiding Sweetgrass

Writing a Land Acknowledgement

As I’ve been blogging away for the last several months about all the fascinating things I’ve been learning about Indigenous cultures, ways of life, histories, etc., it has been in the back of my mind that I should take on the task of writing a land acknowledgement to include on the website.  Not only is… Continue reading Writing a Land Acknowledgement

At the Half: Braiding Sweetgrass

I am now just past the halfway point in my reading of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, so it’s time for a quick update. I am amazed by this book because it continues to confirm for me that I know so little about the Indigenous… Continue reading At the Half: Braiding Sweetgrass

Reflecting on the Significance of the Winter Solstice and the New Year

As I sit with my thoughts on this final day of 2023, I find myself reflecting on what I have learned lately about the significance of the Winter Solstice. It’s a day that comes and goes for many with little more than some passing thoughts about it being the shortest day and the longest night… Continue reading Reflecting on the Significance of the Winter Solstice and the New Year

Books About Indigenous History

Turtle Island is a huge place. Understanding and acknowledging the storied histories of Indigenous peoples is a necessary component of Truth and Reconciliation. Colonization took place all over the world, not just in what is now known as North America. Stay tuned for additions to this list that share histories of colonization around the world.… Continue reading Books About Indigenous History

Books About the Indigenous Experience

These books by Indigenous authors share life stories. The experience of being Indigenous is often equal parts fascinating and heartbreaking. There is so much to learn about history, cultures, and current realities. There are so many stories. Comment below to share titles I should add to this list.    Braiding Sweetgrassby Robin Wall Kimmerer    Embers:… Continue reading Books About the Indigenous Experience

Indigenous Fiction

I’m here to learn, and I love learning about the Indigenous experience by way of fictional stories told by Indigenous authors. Comment below to share titles that I should add to this list.       The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie    Five Little Indiansby Michelle Good   Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese  … Continue reading Indigenous Fiction

Sovereignty, self-governance, and self-determination

This post contains some notes I’ve compiled as I work through my own understanding of several terms: sovereignty, self-governance, and self-determination. I imagine I will revisit this in the future, but I’ve found some interesting resources to share – so here goes.   In May 2016, The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould (Minister of Justice and Attorney General… Continue reading Sovereignty, self-governance, and self-determination

It’s Treaties Recognition Week (November 5-11, 2023)

Let’s have a quick chat about why treaties matter. Until I really dug into this topic, I thought that treaties were outdated agreements that nobody really paid any attention to anymore. I was wrong. This misinformation is why we have Treaties Recognition Week. Before Europeans made contact, treaties started out as nation to nation agreements… Continue reading It’s Treaties Recognition Week (November 5-11, 2023)

Beyond Orange Shirt Day

It’s October 1st. Our Orange shirts are in our laundry hampers, ready to be cleaned and stored away until next year. The news headlines about events commemorating the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation have stopped. The orange-coloured posts on social media apps have all been seen. What happens beyond Orange Shirt Day? … Continue reading Beyond Orange Shirt Day